Lead Auto Equipment Mechanic

Why Work at Des Moines Water Works?
At Des Moines Water Works (DMWW), every employee plays a vital role in delivering Water You Can Trust for Life to over 600,000 central Iowans. We’re looking for team members who are customer-focused and committed to our mission.

When you join DMWW, you become part of a team that values environmental stewardship—protecting our most essential natural resource: water. Just as importantly, we recognize that our people are our greatest asset. Your wellbeing matters to us—from physical and psychological safety to wellness, fitness, and professional growth, we’re committed to supporting your health and development at work and beyond.

About the Position: Under the supervision of the Supervisor of Fleet & Fabrication Services, this position oversees the daily operations of the Vehicle Maintenance Department. Responsibilities include assigning work, providing technical guidance to staff, and supporting the supervisor with departmental planning and coordination.

• Reviews work orders and assigns tasks related to vehicles, mobile equipment, and construction equipment to mechanics.
• Assigns fabrication and machining work to the maintenance welder/fabricator.
• Diagnoses, repairs, and performs general maintenance on small engines, vehicles, equipment, and hydraulic systems.
• Performs welding and cutting of various metals.
• Operates heavy equipment to transport malfunctioning equipment or assist with maintenance projects.
• Conducts preventative maintenance on vehicles and equipment.
• Assists supervisors with scheduling work, preparing budgets, estimating costs and labor hours, and managing material usage and other administrative processes.
• Monitors inventory of parts and supplies; reviews and approves part requests; makes recommendations for materials and supplies.
• Reviews work in progress and completed work to ensure quality and timeliness.
• Utilizes vehicle maintenance software, email, electronic calendars, and other computer programs.
• Provides training to staff on proper and safe procedures.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature as assigned.

Education:

• Two-year technical certificate in automotive/diesel technology, heavy-duty machinery mechanics, or a related field.
• OR Five (5) years of directly related full-time work experience may substitute for the required education.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of full-time work experience in automotive and diesel mechanics, welding, machining, or fabrication (if applicant meets the education requirement above).
• OR five (5) years of full-time work experience in the above areas (if substituting for education).
• One (1) year of team leadership experience is also required.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Must possess a valid State of Iowa Class A commercial driver's license within 90 days of appointment.
• This position requires Driver remain insurable under the Company’s coverage.

Age:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Technical Knowledge: 
  • Automotive systems, construction equipment, hydraulic systems, grounds maintenance equipment, small tool repair, metal fabrication practices, and auto body repair.
  • Skills: Maintenance and repair (proficient)
  • Welding and fabrication
  • Communication (proficient)
  • Computer use (basic)
  • Planning and organizing (basic)
  • Analytical and decision-making (basic)
  • Budgeting (basic understanding)
• Leadership and Teamwork:
  • Team collaboration (proficient)
  • Leadership (proficient)
  • Human relations (proficient)
• Other Abilities:
  • Ability to read, write, communicate, and understand English

TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AND SOFTWARE USED:
Frequently/Often:

• Hand tools and power tools
• Electrical equipment
• Safety equipment
• Shop equipment

Sometimes:

• General office equipment
• Ladders and scaffolding

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Occasionally lift more than 50 pounds
• Frequently lift up to 20 pounds
• Frequent: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and repetitive motions

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Primarily indoor garage work
• Occasional exposure to adverse weather conditions
• Occasional exposure to petroleum products

Des Moines Water Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Selection Process: The hiring process includes a review of qualifications, interviews, and job-related assessments. The selected candidate must pass a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry search, a pre-employment drug screen, and physical examination.

E-Verify Participation: Des Moines Water Works participates in the federal E-Verify program. We will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates offered a position must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 and present documentation verifying their identity and eligibility to work in the United States prior to starting employment. For questions about acceptable documents, please contact Human Resources at 515-283-8717.